Japanese Spicy Mentaiko Butter Pasta

Ingredients

• 180 g spaghetti
• 2 tbsp mentaiko (spicy cod roe)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest(optional)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper(optional)
• 1 tsp salt (for pasta water, optional)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 10 minutes; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   In a large bowl (or warm pan off the heat), mix the butter with the mentaiko until combined and glossy.

3. 3

   Add the hot drained pasta to the bowl. Toss well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and coat the noodles.

4. 4

   Stir in soy sauce, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Taste and finish with black pepper. Serve immediately.